LOGINShare
Chapter 3
Last Updated:
2021-02-08 20:49:16Chapter 3
PRESENT DAY
Nineteen years old Lucy squealed into the living in excitement with a sheet of paper in her hand.
"Mom!" She screamed into the hands of her curious mother and handed her the piece of paper.
"Dear Applicant," Jayda starts to read.
"The faculty of Film and Television business wish to congratulate you on your successful enrollment and admission into TISCH of the arts at our great academy. The entire board of the New York University welcome you into this new chapter...and a splendid academic experience"
"Congratulations sweetie, I am so proud of you my darling" Jayda gave her a tight squeeze.
"I miss you already"
"Minnesota to New York is just two and a half hours Mom you can always catch a flight if you miss me too much," Lucy said still in the spirit of excitement.
"What about Keisha, did she get in to?" Jayda asked.
"I don't know, I've not called her" Lucy ran up the stairs into her room to call her friend.
Jayda is more than elated but the only perk is the reality of being alone. She'd had Lucy all by her side since she was a baby and now that her daughter is about to take a different path, it would be selfish of Jayda not to support Lucy's decision to change environment.
She and Donnie had split nine years ago and Brian ran away from home shortly after. Jayda will always blame herself for what happened with Brian. She'd tried to get in touch with him but all her efforts yielded zero fruits. It's like finding someone who doesn't want to be found.
Nine years have gone by and Jayda still couldn't erase what happened that night with Brian. The sinful feel of Brian's lips on hers as they kissed passionately in her room after a night of alcohol from her end. Whenever she had time to think, thoughts of that night consumed her mind.
"Mom?!" Lucy shouted, jolting her mum out of the unending trance she's in.
"Keisha got in to" She announced and hurried to hug her mom again.
"I am so happy for you both"
"What were you thinking about? I caught you smiling and caressing your lips. Is there a man I don't know?" Lucy asked after the excitement cooled a bit.
"There is no man" Jayda lied.
"Is there a woman?" Lucy continued.
Jayda bursts into laughter. "I'm pretty straight Lucy"
"I know, was just pulling your legs" Lucy shrugged. "So there is a man" Lucy could tell but she knew when to stop pushing Jayda to talk.
"You deserve to be happy too, mum. People like us with a broken heart deserve to be happy" Lucy said.
Jayda stared at her daughter curiously. She has no idea her daughter was ever in love with someone.
"With who?" She asked.
"I never told you because I was still a child then and didn't want to create a fuss but now as an adult, you should know. I had a crush on Brian before he took off" she confessed.
Jayda's mouth went wide open instantly.
"What?" She gave a bewildered scoff.
"Did anything happen between you two?" She couldn't help but ask. She couldn't bear to imagine the thought of her two children engaging in a sinful act-maybe not so sinful since they're not blood-related but she wouldn't be able to live the same if Brian somehow took advantage of her little daughter and also her that night.
"No mum, he wasn't even aware I liked him. He probably thought it was a sister to brother love but to me, it was more than that. But not to worry, the instant he ran off spoiled any chance I had. I have moved on and ready to begin anew with someone else in New York"
Jayda unconsciously made a sigh of relief. It was like a huge pang of guilt subsided but there is another guilt.
She didn't quite tell the whole truth about what happened that night to Lucy and it got to a point where she also believed the lie that Brian chose to run away whereas it was her who threw him out hoping it would get rid of his infatuated thoughts that had long existed before the abominable act they'd engaged in. She was so shameful and couldn't bear to see his face for a while.
She'd hope he'd come back but he didn't and that was the last time she saw him.
Jayda has not been at peace, she'd sometimes questioned if he's alive? in trouble? if he's sick and does has someone to look after him? If he's eaten? what he's doing on his birthday amongst other thoughts. She would spend most of her nights thinking and crying over him. She couldn't also forget the fact that she let her best friend down.
"Mum!" Lucy again interfered with her thoughts.
"I'm so sorry hun, what were you saying?"
"Once I get into New York next week.."
"You are leaving next week?" Jayda asked.
"Yes mum, I want to settle in before resumption"
"I'll come with you then"
"No, mum. I am an adult now. You don't need to babysit me"
"As a matter of fact, I will. It'll be my first time in New York and what better motive than to know where my daughter is going to be living for the next four years that way I can swing in for surprise visits"
"Well said, mother," Lucy said with a big grin.
"So where should we celebrate this big win?" Jayda asked.
"I thought you wouldn't ask" Lucy squealed at her mother. "Shopping"
"What?" Jayda exclaimed.
"Just a few wears here and there Mum, I don't want to wear my old clothes in school"
"On another note, I am glad you're going far away. My money would be saved for a better cause aside fulfilling Lucy's material needs" Jayda joked.
"We both know you don't mean that. You love fulfilling Lucy's needs"
"And that's because she leaves me no choice."
"I love you too mum!" Lucy said which finally ended their never-ending banter.
Related chapters
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 4
Chapter 4Jayda looked out the window lost in her thoughts. She unconsciously wiped the steam that fogged the window. She's thinking about Brian for the umpteenth time today. All she wants to know is if he's doing well or alive and the thought of not knowing anything kills her.She's also aware that if Brian wanted to be found he would have come back to the house. He knows where to find her unlike she who doesn't know where he is.Her mind also wandered to Lucy who is leaving for New York in a matter of days. Jayda had contemplated moving to New York but the obvious truth is that she can't afford to live in the luxurious city. It's bad enough she's spending so much on Lucy's tuition thanks to her life savings for saving the day, the best she can do is to lodge in a cheap hotel when visiting her daughter.On another note, Lucy leaving meant she'll have time for herself and who knows, maybe she can finall
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 5
Chapter 5Khloé hurried into Brian's office."I am so sorry Brian, I didn't know how it happened" I don't care how it happened, it's the level of your incompetence I have a problem with," Brian said as he scanned through the screen of the laptop in front of him."It won't happen again, I swear. Please don't take Lucy away from me" She begged"It's too late to apologize""This is the first and last occurrence""You don't get it, do you?" He suddenly stood up from his chair."Something bad could have happened to Isabelle if she didn't meet the person who brought her back." Brian feared the worst might have happened the moment he received Khloé's call earlier."You can do anything to get back at me but please don't take the custody of our child away from me"She walked c
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 6
Chapter 6"OMG Mom!" Lucy said over the phone as Jayda walked into her living from outside. She'd been talking to the sheriff over last night's encounter with the other neighbours and the police department have assured the residents that there will be two patrol vehicle stationed in the area for the time being."It's been taken care of so I don't think they'll be coming back," Jayda said as she made for the couch."But still, you need to move out of that house" Lucy suggested."You know I can't""Why? Because it's grandma's house?""That and the fact that your schooling needs all the finance I can get""Well mom you don't need to overthink your pretty head about that because Keira and I got a part-time job to model for some app and the pay is a mouthful""No no mo" Jayda immediately opposed the idea. "
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 7
Chapter 7Jayda giggled like a toddler at ice cream when she and Shawn made their exit out of the cinema. They just finished watching the latest horror film titled 'forgotten and instead of coming out with a rather intense expression, the duo laughed their way to the parking lot."So where are we going next?" Jayda asked as Shawn put the car in motion unto the express."I was thinking of dinner" he said."I'm quite full from the popcorn and Soda""How about a walk in Glover?" He suggested.Jayda had heard of the new park in town but has not had the opportunity to visit the place even though she'd heard a lot of awesome reviews from the people in Ely."That'd be great," She said.They arrived in the park in half an hour and since there wasn't much to do because most of the vendors have closed for the day, Sha
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 8
Chapter 8"Where's the new commercial clip?" Brian said while flipping through the pages of the folder in his hand."We are yet to shortlist the candidates.." The fidgeting thirty-something years old creative director managed to say even amid stammer.People working under Brian always find talking to him intimidating and somewhat scary. It's hard to share the same space with his arrogant and rude attitude."You're fired," He said without flinching."Sir?" She questioned in disbelief."Are you deaf? I said you're fired! I can't have incompetent people working in my company" he didn't look at the poor lady, not even as little as a wink.Just as soon as she walked out of his office, Khloé walks in majestically while strutting her curves in the perfect motion."Hey baby" she greeted before taking her seat.
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 9
Chapter 9A few weeks later.Lucy walked into ChaseApp headquarters alongside Keisha for their callback interview with the brand. The duo had applied a week ago to model in a commercial much to the fact that one appearance costs so much more than the regular coffee shop attendant job they'd been doing secretly to help lift the burden a bit off their parents.Both girls gawked at the enormous elegance of wealth and class that littered the ground floor. There was so much professionalism in how the ladies who worked there walked and talked. They weren't dressed corporately. Some even wore shorts that went as far as the curve of their butts but their carriage is classy as hell."Wow. Pinch me Keisha" Lucy said trying to get out of what she thinks could be a dream.They'd researched the company ahead of their interview but the pictures didn't do the building justice. I
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 10
Chapter 10Both girls screamed out of the ChaseApp building after being among the five models picked for the commercial that was later said would continue during the final casting."Do you think if the President was seated, we would have been given the spot? I mean, considering what happened in the morning""We didn't do anything wrong! What makes you think we did? We were just talking. He seriously can't be that bad""Have you heard of this man!"They both walked down the walkway to catch the bus heading their way.********"There's something I need to tell you," Shawn said, as he arrived with Jayda under her porch."Some time ago before I met you, I had plans of transferring to NYPD for the sake of my daughter so that I can be close to her instead of having her travel down here once a while" He paused a bit before con
Last Updated : 2021-02-0836:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 11
Chapter 11BeforeJayda 22Brian 12"Jayda!" Brian hurried outside to where Donnie and Jayda are seated, smoking."Putt off the cigarette" She whispered. She stomped on both stick with her feet before Brian's arrival.Donnie rolls his eyes in disbelief at her."It's Lucy. We were playing and then she tripped and bruised her leg. I already applied first aid but she keeps crying and won't let me put a band-aid on it."The trio hurried to the backyard to find little Lucy on the grass, crying."Hey, sweetie" Jayda bent down to inspect the scratch. "Pass me the bandaid" she collects the strip from Brian's hand and places it on Lucy's wound carefully."Check the lower kitchen cabinet by the fridge, bring the pack of candy in it," Jayda told Brian and he returned a few seconds later with the
Last Updated : 2021-02-08
Latest chapter
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 24
Chapter 24Jayda scooped her phone off the nightstand table and turned off the annoying ring of the alarm. It’s a bright Monday morning yet, Jayda didn’t feel like stopping by at the store today. Some days she wished she’d hired a manager on her behalf so that she can excuse herself from work on days like this but, she’s yet to afford extra hands.Shortly after, her phone rings from an unknown number.“Hello…” She said wearily.“Is this Euphoria?”Jayda quickly sits properly on the bed to receive the call in an appropriate tone. She most times forgets her line is on Euphoria’s social media accounts. It’s too late to do anything about the unpleasant early morning client calls; she will just have to purchase another number in place of her line.“Yes it is”“I k
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 23
Chapter 23“Mum please get the door, I’m still in the shower,” Lucy said at the top of her voice prompting Jayda to get the door from the kitchen. She twisted the knob open to see Brian standing in front of her. She gasped in shock and almost closed the door but, he stuck his foot out to halt the movement. Jayda had no idea why she wanted to close the door: It is not like she is doing anything illegal. Just then, Isabelle slid her head out behind Brian.“Aunt Jayda,” She said with an enchanting giggle and hurried to her embrace. Jayda hugged her while still in shock as to how Brian knew her address.“Brian, you are here!’’ Lucy exclaimed on her way to the door while still slightly dripping from the shower she just had.Jayda watched in awe as Lucy ushered both Brian and Isabelle in.“And you must be Isabelle? I have heard so much about you. Come here you little cutie” Luc
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 22
Chapter 22It’s been three days since the Tuesday incident as well as the last time she heard from both Shawn and Brian. She’d worried more about the latter than the former. Life gave her another chance to mark a clean slate with her godson but Brian ruined that chance when he tried to uproot the same mistake that drove a wedge of distance between them nine years ago. She feels very remorseful for not pushing him away the minute he pulled her close…. She’s far older and should know better.After carefully thinking about everything, Jayda came to the conclusion that she and Brian need to sit down and talk about this in a more civil manner… One that does not involve any sexual tension.She also wondered if what happened in her office was payback for throwing him out because why else would a married man do such a despicable thing and worse, with his child around? This only made her feel dirty, one,
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 21
Chapter 21 On the walk back home, Jayda couldn't excuse the event that just happened in her store from her thoughts even if she tried. At some point, she absentmindedly smiles but was quick enough to replace it with furrowed brows so as not to let Shawn catch on.Jayda couldn't deny the fact that that the rest of their celebratory dinner turned awry following the incident. She had been silently praying to God that Shawn doesn't bring up the issue because of the continuous awkwardness it would breathe.Who would have thought? All these years she'd been constantly hating on herself for letting him go and worse, letting her friend down. She'd been praying to God every single day for his wellbeing wherever he may be and for God to make them see each other at least one last time.The little boy she knew is no longer little, he's a man. A married man and father to a girl she adores. While he almost kissed her, Jayda found
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 20
Chapter 20"Daddy!" Isabelle hurried to Brian's embrace. He's been leaning on his car while waiting for her arrival at the school gate which just a few feet from the school building. He hardly shows up to pick her at her school- the driver or Khloé does- but today is different."Came to surprise my birthday princess" He bends down to meet her height. She gives him a tight hug.Isabelle climbed into the back seat and Brian closed to door to start the car."Mum brought me cake""Where's my chunk?""Ms Jayda shared all of it to my classmates""Ms Jayda?" He asked, curiously looking at her through the rearview."Yes, the woman from last time who saved me. She made the cake mum ordered and brought it to my school. We took pictures, danced and had so much fun." The little made so many happy gesticulations while narrating her experience."That's so kind of her" Brian said absentmind
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 19
Chapter 19After the finishing touches, Jayda stared at her just-concluded creation. The two tiers red velvet cake had red crumbs around and layered with dripping like cheese butter frosting coupled with an animated picture of Moana in the middle. It's a couple of minutes past two and she is more than happy to have finished the job on time.She took a quick peep at the cake one more time before calling it a night. Although her house is just a few blocks away, Jayda couldn't take the risk of going back home especially because of the dark ally she'll need to walk through before her house. She'd brought all her toiletries in the morning and a change of clothes. She makes a mental gratitude for that.She contemplates calling Shawn, not wanting to disturb him in case he's asleep but then again, she needs to shut her eyes too. It's been a busy opening day and coupled with this order, it is only natural for her to just go to bed. Feeling too tired to take a showe
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 18
Chapter 18"I look like a zombie," Jayda says as she enters Shawn's living room."No, you look perfect" He objects."You are only saying that because I am your girlfriend. It's only natural for you to make me feel good""Make you feel good, yes. But, its the truth. You are a very beautiful, smart, funny and stubborn woman that I love."She's not ready to say the words yet so instead, she gives him a warm smile."It's okay. I'll wait until you're ready" He kisses her passionately and it was until a knock on the door interrupted did they stop."That must be Selena," Shawn said as they break from the kiss.He hurried to the door while Jayda stayed back.He walked back in shortly holding Selena with one hand and her bag in the other. Gigi walked in after them."And this must be Jayda," She said in her almighty expensive-looking midi length fur jacket.
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 17
Chapter 17Jayda hurried to the switch to turn on the newly fixed Edison bulbs in the shop. She opens her eyes in shock at the beauty of the entire interior. The bulbs did the icing on the cake making everywhere glow up like a dreamland. She smiled at her newly accomplished goal with pride.She changed almost all the furniture as well as repainted the wall and got a few machines to add to the existing ones.The interview for a few positions will be held today and although it's scheduled for three in the afternoon, three candidates already arrived by one. She's planning on hiring a Cashier, one cleaner, for now, one barista, two salesperson and two assistant bakers.By six, she'd finished everything and gotten her workers who will be resuming the coming week which is in two days. Jayda will be using the weekend to stock up the shop with goods.Shawn arrives just before she could turn off the Edison bulbs that mostly gave the sourc
36:26 A Chase Encounter Chapter 16
Chapter 16"It's Sunday Lucy, no one is supposed to be here" Keisha whispers as they walk further into the floor.Keisha sights a rotating CCTV camera."You do know we are being watched right?"Lucy is unmoved and at some point, Keisha stops walking behind her fearing they might get into big trouble snooping around the president's office.Lucy shuffles and quickly scan through a bunch of papers and folders on the secretary's desk. An alarm from another elevator distracts her."Someone is here, hide," She tells Keisha who hurriedly finds a safe spot to hide. Lucy scoots under the secretary's table.Brian walked into the floor and being a very neat person, the littered desk catches his eyes as he walks by and worst of all is that he saw footprints on the mopped floor.He stops and traces the footprint leading to the desk out of curiosity."I'm so sorry" Lucy apologise as soon
